July 2004 Edition

It's a Great Month for Your Patriotic Programs!

Grand Master's Message for July 2004 We are reminded that July is the time for patriotic celebrations in commemoration of the founding of these United States.

We enjoy the freedom to live, believe, think, work, and worship as we choose in this great land.

We have endured hard times before and survived them a better people. One only has to look at the current situations around the world to see that we have been blessed. We should give thanks for this country and those who have sacrificed so much to bring us to this point!

It is my wish that each and every Commandery will have a patriotic program of some type to celebrate the founding of this country and the freedoms we enjoy. (It can be at any time of the month or even of the year.) Hopefully, many of you will (or did) march in your local 4th of July parade to show the world at large that we as Templars do support our country.

Be sure that your Commandery plans a patriotic celebration or joins in one for every patriotic event that will arise in the years to come!

May God bless our leaders and the United States of America.

Kenneth B. Fischer Grand Master, KCT, GCT

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Knight Templar "The Magazine for York Rite Masons - and Others, too" JULY: The month, like June, has an important patriotic holiday: July 4th, Independence Day, is probably over by the time you receive this issue; however, as the Grand Master points out on page 2, any day is a good one to celebrate our patriotism. As usual this issue has a comprehensive breakdown of the results of the 36th Voluntary Campaign for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, starting on page 5. Check for the names of new KTEF club members in this issue, and join us for an 11-day cruise in Alaska, starting on August 26, 2004!

Information for this wonderful trip is on page 24. Grand Master Kenneth B. Fischer has renewed his emphasis on drill teams for this triennium: Don't miss the pictures of these illustrious teams that performed at the 62nd Triennial Conclave; they start on page 14. The Brother and Big Band musician on our cover is Clyde McCoy, of course, and his story by Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett is remarkable, entertaining, and begins on page 25.

Contents It's a Great Month for Your Patriotic Programs! Grand Master's Message for July 2004 Grand Master Kenneth B. Fischer - 2 Message from the General Chairman 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign Sir Knight David D. Goodwin - 5 Eye Foundation Campaign Closes - 5-12

Drill Teams that Performed at The 62nd Triennial Conclave - 14 11-Day Knights Templar Alaska Cruise Tour - 24 Part I: Memories of Brother Clyde McCoy Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett - 25

July 2004 Volume L

Number 7

Published monthly as an official publication of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.

Kenneth Bernard Fischer Grand Master and Publisher 5138 Shady Oaks Friendswood, TX 77546

Charles R. Neumann Grand Recorder and Editor

Joan B. Morton Assistant Editor

Grand Commander's, Grand Master's Clubs – 12 Contributors to the OPC Club – 13 Contributors to the 33° Club – 13 July Issue – 3 Editors Journal – 4 In Memoriam – 23 On the Masonic Newsfront - 20 Public Relations – 16 Knight Voices - 30

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Grand Recorder 5097 N. Elston Avenue, Suite 101 Chicago, Illinois 60630-2460 (773) 777-3300 Fax: (773) 777-8836

Mail magazine materials and correspondence to Editor, 5097 N. Elston Avenue, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60630-2460.

Material for the Grand Commanderies’ two-page supplement is to be directed to the respective Supplement editors.

Address corrections from members are to be sent to the local Recorders

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When you order any of the items below, make check or money order payable to: the Grand Encampment, and send to: Grand Encampment, Knights Templar; 5097 N Elston Avenue, Suite 101; Chicago; IL 60630-2460.

Recently Arrived: The Order of Malta is now available on DVD. This informative DVD is only $15.00 plus $3.50 for S & H ($18.50).

Send in your order today!

Place Mats & Napkins: The place mats have pictures of the Masonic Presidents of the USA, and the napkins have the Cross and Crown emblem. The cost of either one is $15.00 per 250 in intervals of 250 (ie. 250, 500, etc. - NO exceptions) PLUS S & H UPS charges vary by location.

62nd Triennial Memorabilia: From the 62nd Triennial Conclave, we still have available the black carrying cases that were given at registration - $20.00 plus $6.00 S & H ($26.00). See above for ordering information.

Great Knights Templar Gifts: Available is the 2-volume set of History of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America by Francis J. Scully, M.D., and History of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America - Book II by Lt. Col. Jacob C. Baird, Chairman, the Committee on Knights Templar History. As a set, the two books are $25.00 plus $4.00 S & H ($29.00). Separately, each book is $15.00 plus $3.00 S & H ($18.00).

Knight Templar Magazine Index, including all previous indexes and covering the years,

July 2004

1969-1999, is now available at a price of $5.00, plus $2.50 postage - total, $7.50. This is your chance to invest at a bargain price in the index which covers main articles of the magazine from 1969 to the turn of the century.

A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right: This is John J. Robinson's last book, and it is available as a hardbound copy. The book is available for $15.00 each, plus $2.50 S & H. Born in Blood: The exciting book by John J. Robinson is available at the price of $17.00, including S & H. Dungeon, Fire, and Sword This history of the Knights Templar by the late John J. Robinson is available for $20.00 each, plus $3.50 S & H. An important and invaluable booklet entitled The York Rite of Freemasonry - A History and Handbook is available. It is authored by Sir Knight Frederick G. Speidel. This comprehensive, illustrated, 78-page booklet explains the degrees, history, symbolism, and benevolent programs of the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, the Council, and the Commandery. There is no limit on orders: $1.50 each under 100 copies, plus S & H; $1.00 each over 100 copies, plus S & H. Pins: Malta pins and red or green widow's pins are $5.00 each. You may order ANY quantity - even just one.

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Message from the General Chairman The 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign

by Sir Knight David Dixon Goodwin, P.D.C. and G.C.G. of the Grand Encampment General Chairman of the 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign The 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign Is History... "Team Templar" Beat Last Year!

Thank You, Sir Knights! YOU Did It! YOU Beat Last Year!

The 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign for the KTEF closed with a grand total of $928,714.89, a whopping $123,942.59 over last year's total of $804,772.30.

On behalf of the officers of the Grand Encampment, the Trustees of the Eye Foundation, and more importantly, on behalf of those who benefit from your generosity, I thank each and every Sir Knight who played a part in making this a most successful Campaign.

Our hats are off to Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania, who finished as the top three in dollar contributions.

Special recognition also belongs to South Dakota, Utah, and Nevada, who finished as the top three in per capita contributions.

Following my note will be a complete recap of this Campaign!

The time is right to start preparing for the 37th Campaign. What will you and your Commandery do to make it even better?

It has been an honor working with each of you, the staff of the Eye Foundation office, and the magazine staff, as the cheerleader of this program. May Almighty GOD bless you as you do HIS work through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation!

Courteously, Dave Sir Knight David Dixon Goodwin, GCT, Grand Captain General, P.D.C., and the General Chairman of the 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, is a member of Malta Commandery No. 21, Endicott, New York, and The Empire State Commandery No. 83, Rochester, New York. He resides at 1509 Campus Drive, Vestal, NY 13850-4036

Eye Foundation Campaign Closes The Knights Templar Eye Foundation reports a contribution total for the 36th Annual Voluntary Campaign of $928,714.89, $123,942.59 more than last year. Some Commanderies did an outstanding job as you can see for yourself from the following listings. Thanks to all those who worked so hard. A total of 1,221 Commanderies participated in this year's campaign, 6 more than last year.

Ohio took the lead in total dollars contributed, with Texas in second position and Pennsylvania third. A listing of top Grand Commanderies on a per capita basis found the South Dakota first, followed by Utah and Nevada, second and third respectively. The top subordinate Commandery on a per capita basis is Ivahoe No. 2, Mexico D. F., Mexico, and the top subordinate Commandery for total dollars contributed is Ivanhoe No. 2, Mexico D. F., Mexico.

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Plaques and seals are being prepared for the 185 constituent Commanderies that reported contributions of $10.00 or more per member. 170 Commanderies contributing $5.00 to $9.99 per member will receive certificates. These Commanderies are listed on the following pages.

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Top Ten Grand Commanderies In Per Capita Totals

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SOUTH DAKOTA UTAH NEVADA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND

6. OREGON 7. ARIZONA 8. NEW HAMPSHIRE 9. COLORADO 10. MARYLAND

Constituent Commanderies Reporting $10.00 or More Per Member (Per capita is within 10 cents of minimum.)

ALABAMA: Anniston No. 23, Anniston; Florence No. 39, Florence.

ARIZONA: Phoenix No. 3, Phoenix; Calvary No. 8, Winslow; Columbine No. 9, Safford; Yuma No. 10, Yuma; Burning Taper No. 15, Sierra Vista; Apache No. 16, Mesa; St. Andrew No. 17 U.D., Peoria.

ARKANSAS: Rogers No. 24, Bentonville; Hickmon No. 37, Bald Knob.

CALIFORNIA: California No. 1, San Francisco; Santa Rosa No. 14, Santa Rosa; St. Bernard No. 23, San Bernardino; St. Omer No. 30, Santa Barbara; Whittier-St. Johns No. 51, Whittier; Auburn No. 52, Auburn; Santa Monica Bay No. 61, Santa Monica; Merced No. 69, Merced.

COLORADO: Denver-Colorado No. 1, Denver; Central City No. 2, Central City; Pikes Peak No. 6, Colorado Springs; Longs Peak No. 12, Longmont; Glenwood No. 20, Glenwood Springs; Palestine No. 22, La Junta; Temple No. 23, Grand Junction; Jefferson-Highlands No. 30, Denver; St. Bernard No. 41, Denver; Eastlake No. 42, Eastlake.

CONNECTICUT Palestine No. 6, Mystic. DELAWARE: Trinity No. 3, Wilmington.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Washington No. 1, Washington, D.C.; Columbia No. 2, Washington, D.C. FLORIDA: Ft. Myers No. 32, Ft. Myers; Emmanuel No. 36, Deland; Winter Haven No. 37, Winter Haven.

GEORGIA: St. Omer No. 2, Macon; St. Aldemar No. 3, Columbus; Couer de Lion No. 4, College Park; DeMolay No. 5, Americus; William Tracy Gould No. 6, Forsyth; Palestine No. 7, Savannah; Plantagenet No. 12, Milledgeville; Malta No. 16, Valdosta; St. Johns No. 19, Dalton; Alexius No. 22, Jackson; St. Bernard No. 25, Covington; Constantine No. 26, Marietta; Charles Martel No. 29, Chickamauga; Bethlehem No. 30, Thomasville; Griffin No. 35, Griffin; Waycross No. 36, Waycross; Douglasville No. 40, Douglasville; Amicalola No. 41, Jasper.

IDAHO: Idaho Falls No. 6, Idaho Falls.

ILLINOIS: Aurora No. 22, Yorkville; Galena No. 40, Galena; Coeur de Leon No. 43, El Paso; St. Elmo No. 64, Chicago; Chicago Heights No. 78, Lansing.

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IOWA Siloam No. 3, Dubuque; Damascus No. 5, Keokuk, St. Omer No. 15, Burlington; Oriental No. 22, Newton; Apollo No. 26, Cedar Rapids; Kenneth No. 32, Independence; Antioch No. 43, Mason City-, Zerubbabel No. 68, Albia; Ascension No. 69, Ames.

KENTUCKY Paducah No. 11, Paducah; Mayfield No. 49, Mayfield.

LOUISIANA: C. A. Everitt No. 29, Slidell.

MAINE: Portland No. 2, Portland.

MARYLAND: Monumental No. 3, Baltimore; Jacques de Molay No. 4, Frederick; Beauseant No. 8, Cockeysville; Montgomery No. 13, Rockville; York No. 16, Camp Springs.

MASSACHUSETTS /RHODE ISLAND: St. Johns No. 1, Cranston, RI; Newburyport No. 3, Newburyport, MA; Holy Sepulchre No. 8, Pawtucket, RI; Milford No. 11, Milford, MA; St. Bernard No. 12, Boston, MA; Calvary No. 13, East Providence, RI; Haverhill No. 14, Haverhill, MA; Bethlehem-Lewis No. 18, Gloucester, MA; Berkshire No. 22, Pittsfield, MA; Bay State No. 38, Brockton, MA; Beauseant-Palestine No. 41, Malden, MA. MICHIGAN: Bad Axe No. 52, Bad Axe; Redford No. 55, Dearborn.

MINNESOTA: Coeur de Lion No. 3, Winona.

NEBRASKA: Gethsemane No. 21, Columbus.

NEVADA: De Witt Clinton No. 1, Reno; Malta No. 3, Las Vegas; Winnemucca No. 4, Winnemucca; Melita No. 9, Boulder City.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Trinity No. 1, Manchester; Mt. Horeb No. 3, Concord; Sullivan/Hugh de Payens No. 6, Claremont; Palestine No. 11, Rochester.

NEW MEXICO: Santa Fe No. 1, Santa Fe; Shiprock No. 15, Farmington.

NEW YORK: Malta No. 21, Binghamton; Central City No. 25, Solvay; Norwich No. 46, Norwich; Cortland No. 50, Cortland; Tonawanda No. 78, Tonawanda.

NORTH CAROLINA: Lenoir No. 33, Lenoir.

OHIO: Shawnee No. 14, Lima; Cache No. 27, Conneaut; Highland No. 31, Hillsboro; Holyrood No. 32, Berea; Warren No. 39, Warren; Lorain No. 65, Lorain.

OKLAHOMA: Calvary No. 26, Bartlesville.

OREGON: Oregon No. 1, Portland; Temple No. 3, Albany; Pendleton No. 7, Milton-Freewater.

PENNSYLVANIA: Pilgrim No. 11, Harrisburg; York-Gethsemane No. 21, York; Baldwin II No. 22, Williamsport; Mt. Olivet No. 30, Erie; Knapp No. 40, Ridgway; Constantine No. 41, Pottsville; Kensington-Kadosh No. 54, Jenkintown; Centennial No. 55, Coatesville; Trinity No. 58, Bradford; Lawrence No. 62, New Castle; Warren No. 63, Warren; Nativity No. 71, Pottstown; Mt. Vernon No. 73, Hazleton; Mc Kean

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No. 80, Monongahela; Samuel S. Yohe No. 81, Stroudsburg; Bethel No. 98, Hanover; Nazarene No. 99, Montrose; Holyrood No. 100, Kittanning.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Dakota No. 1, Spearfish; Damascus No. 10, Aberdeen.

TENNESSEE: St. Elmo No. 4, Memphis; Morristown No. 22, Morristown; Kingsport No. 33, Kingsport; Rosemark No. 39, Millington; Manchester No. 40, Manchester.

TEXAS: San Antonio No. 7, San Antonio; Brownwood No. 22, Brownwood; Denison No. 24, Denison; Plainview No. 53, Plainview; Wichita Falls No. 59, Wichita Falls; Midland No. 84, Midland; Taylor No. 85, Gun Barrel City.

UTAH: Utah No. 1, Salt Lake City; El Monte No. 2, Ogden; Ivanhoe No. 5, Provo; Charles Fred Jennings No. 6, Price.

VERMONT Lafayette No. 3, St. Albans; Palestine No. 5, St. Johnsbury.

VIRGINIA. Charlottesville No. 3, Charlottesville; Appomattox No. 6, Petersburg; Stevenson No. 8, Staunton; Lynn No. 9, Marion; Winchester No. 12, Winchester; Arlington No. 29, Arlington; George W Wright No. 31, Martinsville; Blacksburg No. 32, Blacksburg; Penn-Neck No. 33, Urbanna.

WASHINGTON: Seattle No. 2, Seattle; Temple No. 5, Ellensburg; De Molai No. 6, Montesano; Hesperus No. 8, Bellingham; St. Helens No. 12, Chehalis; Columbia No. 14, Wenatchee; Malta No. 18, Bremerton; Pasco No. 21, Pasco; Rainier No. 28, Renton.

WEST VIRGINIA: Kanawha No. 4, Charleston; Pilgrim No. 21, Elkins; Weirton No. 30, Weirton.

WISCONSIN: Ivanhoe No. 24, Milwaukee; Marinette No. 26, Marinette; Platteville No. 35, Platteville.

WYOMING: Ivanhoe No. 2, Rawlins; Hugh de Payen No. 7, Lander; Constantine No. 9, Cody; Clelland No. 12, Douglas.

Commanderies Contributing $5.00 to $9.99 Per Member (Per capita is within 10 cents of minimum.)

ALABAMA: Lee No. 45, Phenix City.

ARIZONA: Arizona No. 1, Tucson; Ivanhoe No. 2, Prescott; Crusade No. 11, Chandler; Scottsdale No. 12, Scottsdale.

ARKANSAS: Baldwin No. 4, Fayetteville; Hot Springs No. 5, Hot Springs.

CALIFORNIA. Pacific No. 3, Sonora; Nevada No. 6, Nevada City; Oakland No. 11, Oakland; San Diego No. 25, San Diego; San Gabriel Valley No. 31, Rosemead; Orange County No. 36, Anaheim; Bakersfield No. 39, Bakersfield; Contra Costa No. 59, Concord; Paradise No. 76, Paradise.

COLORADO: Pueblo No. 3, Pueblo; Georgetown No. 4, Georgetown; Mt. of the Holy Cross No. 5, Leadville; Mt. Sinai No. 7, Boulder; Canon City No. 9, Canon City;

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DeMolay No. 13, Fort Collins; Oriental No. 18, Trinidad; Malta No. 32, Lamar; Delta No. 34, Delta; Sterling No. 35, Sterling.

CONNECTICUT Washington No. 1, East Hartford.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Potomac No. 3, Washington, D.C.; Inri No. 4, Washington, D.C. FLORIDA: Plant City No. 6, Plant City; Pilgrim No. 7, Gainesville; Oriental No. 9, Daytona Beach; Palm Beach No. 18, West Palm Beach; Brevard No. 24, Cocoa; Springtime No. 40, Clearwater.

GEORGIA: Georgia No. 1, Augusta; Ivanhoe No. 10, Fort Valley; St. Elmo No. 21, Brunswick; Olivet No. 27, Dublin; Blue Ridge Mountain No. 37, McCaysville.

IDAHO: Idaho No. 1, Boise; Lewiston No. 2, Lewiston; Moscow No. 3, Moscow; Gate City No. 4, Pocatello; Salmon No. 9, Salmon; Twin Falls No. 10, Twin Falls.

ILLINOIS: Elwood No. 6, Springfield; Rock Island No. 18, Rock Island; Calvary No. 25, Cary; St. Omen No. 30, Litchfield; St. Bernard No. 35, Chicago; Rushville No. 56, Rushville.

IOWA: Palestine No. 2, Iowa City; St. Simon of Cyrene No. 9, Davenport; Ascalon No. 25, Waterloo; Malta No. 31, Ottumwa; Nazareth No. 33, Manchester; Bethlehem No. 45, Washington; St. Elmo No. 48, Iowa Falls; Mt. Lebanon No. 61, Clarion.

KANSAS: Dodge City No. 35, Dodge City; Liberal No. 55, Liberal.

KENTUCKY Webb No. 1, Lexington; Louisville-DeMolay No. 12, Louisville; Ryan No. 17, Danville; Madisonville No. 27, Madisonville; Princeton No. 35, Princeton; Glasgow No. 36, Glasgow; Conrad H. Cates No. 37, Elizabethtown; Williamsburg No. 50, Williamsburg.

LOUISIANA: Indivisible Friends No. 1, New Orleans; Malta No. 12, Lake Charles; Ivanhoe No. 19, New Orleans; Crusader No. 21, Minden.

MARYLAND: Maryland No. 1, Baltimore; St. Bernard No. 9, Hagerstown; Carroll No. 17, Westminster.

MASSACHUSETTS /RHODE ISLAND: Boston No. 2, Boston, MA; Godfrey de Bouillon No. 4, Somerset, MA; Worchester County No. 5, Worchester, MA; Gethsemane DeMolay No. 7, Newtonville, MA; Sutton No. 16, New Bedford, MA; Athol-Orange No. 37, Athol, MA; Ivanhoe No. 46, Gardner, MA. MISSISSIPPI: DeMolay No. 8, Columbus.

MISSOURI: Ivanhoe No. 8, St. Louis; St. Graal No. 12, Columbia; Godfrey de Bouillon No. 24, Trenton.

MONTANA: Crusade No. 17, Hamilton.

NEBRASKA: Bethel No. 28, Long Pine.

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NEVADA: Lahontan No. 7, Fallon.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: North Star-St. Gerard No. 4, Littleton. NEW JERSEY Hugh de Paynes No. 1, Hackensack.

NEW MEXICO: Las Cruces No. 11, Las Cruces; Sangre de Cristo No. 16, Los Alamos.

NEW YORK: Temple No. 2, Albany; Genesee No. 10, Lockport; Cyrene-Monroe No. 12, Rochester; Lake Erie No. 20, Buffalo; Hugh de Payens No. 30, Hamburg; Washington No. 33, Saratoga Springs; St. Augustine No. 38, Ithaca; Bethlehem-Crusader No. 53, White Plains; Trinity No. 68, Flushing; Calvary No. 69, Greenwich; Nassau No. 73, Hicksville; Tancred No. 80, East Aurora.

NORTH CAROLINA: Salisbury No. 13, Salisbury.

OHIO: Massillon No. 4, Massillon; St. Johns No. 20, Youngstown; Wilmington No. 37, Wilmington; Forest City No. 40, Cleveland; St. Omer No. 59, Perrysburg; Bryan No. 74, Bryan; St. George No. 76, Lima; Cuyahoga Falls No. 83, Cuyahoga Falls.

OREGON: Malta No. 4, Ashland; Washington No. 15, Portland; Bruce No. 17, Corvallis.

PENNSYLVANIA. Pittsburgh No. 1, Pittsburgh; St. Johns No. 8, Carlisle; Reading No. 9, West Reading; Mountain No. 10, Altoona; Lancaster No. 13, Lancaster; Northern No. 16, Towanda; Kedron No. 18, Greensburg; Packer No. 23, Jim Thorpe; Constans No. 33, Bellefonte; Calvary No. 37, Danville; Prince of Peace No. 39, Ashland; Dieu le Veut No. 45, Wilkes Barre; Hospithiler No. 46, Lock Haven; St. Alban No. 47, Springfield; Mt. Calvary No. 67, Greenville; Duquesne No. 72, Pittsburgh; Chartiers No. 78, Carnegie; Lorraine No. 87, Butler; Bethlehem No. 90, Bethlehem; Damascus No. 95, Lansdale.

SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina No. 1, Charleston.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Schrader No. 9, Rapid City; Brookings No. 14, Brookings; Malta No. 26, Milbank.

TENNESSEE: Coeur de Lion No. 9, Knoxville; De Payens No. 11, Franklin; Cumberland No. 26, Cookeville; Plateau No. 38, Crossville.

TEXAS: San Felipe de Austin No. 1, Galveston; Pittsburg No. 43, Pittsburg; Haskell No. 49, Haskell; Brady No. 68, Brady; Lufkin No. 88, Lufkin; Hidalgo No. 94, McAllen; Granbury No. 100, Granbury; Litt S. Perry No. 111, Lake Jackson.

UTAH: Malta No. 3, Midvale.

VERMONT Burlington No. 2, Burlington; Vermont No. 4, Windsor.

VIRGINIA: Richmond No. 2, Richmond; Old Dominion No. 11, Alexandria; Johnson No. 14, Bristol; Olivet No. 18, Crewe; Luray No. 19, Luray; Alleghany No. 23, Clifton Forge; Piedmont No. 26, Manassas; Chesapeake No. 28, Cape Charles.

WASHINGTON: Ivanhoe No. 4, Tacoma.

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Contributors to the OPC Club Lawrence B. Smith (VA) James Dimitri (IN) Joseph P. Westfall, Jr. (VA) Douglas Collins (TX) Nicholas Theodore Grapsas (WI) Phillip Volsic, Jr. (MI) Jerome O. Webster (MN) Owen R. Henry (NJ) Billy Joe Hildreth (IA) in honor of Bryce B. Hildreth

Roland E. Gene Wright (OR) in memory of John Bell Carroll M. Martin, Jr. (NM) Billy Joe Hildreth (LA) Charles K. Simpson (IL) Wayne H. Rolif (KS) Robert Fiers (IN) in honor of Gordon D. Flick Kish L. Thomas (OK)

Contributors to the 33° Club Mark Wendell Bastin (KY), 33° Royce F. Davenport (AZ), 33° David Vanaken (KS), 33° Thomas Garnett Morehead (TX), 33° John W. Acer (AZ), 33° o Joseph Y. Urriola (NV), 33 Lewis E. Kittell (NV), 33° George M. Twaddle (NV), 33° John B. Bruehi (VA), 33° Howard D. Yeary (TX), 33° Bernard William Frost (MA/RI), 33° Ellis F. Riebel (PA), 33° Jerome O. Webster (MN), 33° George G. Brintlinger (OH), 33° Kish L. Thomas (OK), 33°

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Carl E. Starkey (TX), 33 in honor of H. Bart Henderson, 33° Carl E. Starkey (TX), 33° in honor of Thomas F. Griffin, 33° o Carl E. Starkey (TX), 33 in honor of Billy Wayne Tinsley, 33° Carl E. Starkey (TX), 33° in honor of W. Eugene Brookshire, 33° Carl E. Starkey (TX), 33° in honor of J. Bayo Hopper, 33° Randall L. Hahn, Sr. (OH), 33° William R. Clark, Jr. (IA), 33° David B. White (NV), 33° Richard C. Mills (NY), 33°

Ascension Day Service in Torrington, Connecticut On Thursday, May 20, 2004, about 45 Knights Templar and 5 Master Masons gathered at the Memorial Chapel in the Hillside Cemetery in Torrington, Connecticut, for the 138th time to celebrate the mystery of the Ascension. Avery meaningful ceremony was conducted by Sir Knight Fred Lorenson, after which the participants gathered at the Kaaban Club of Plymouth for a dinner. The occasion was hosted by the Clark Commandery Association of New Haven Commandery. The association is under the direction of President, Arthur H. Carlson; Treasurer, Leonard F. D'Amico, who also served as Master of Ceremonies; Secretary, Richard V. Travis, who also served as usher at the chapel and libation server at the club; and trustee, Frederick H. Lorenson, who served as Prelate. Music was conducted by Willis Copeland and William Buick. There were in attendance 5 Past Grand Commanders as well as Sir Knight William F. Lott, R.E. Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut.

There were also 6 Past Grand Masters as well as M.W. Brother Joseph J. Howard, presiding Grand Master. Several other Masonic bodies were represented by their leaders.

Clark Commandery was proud to have been the first Commandery to observe Ascension Day. This commemorative day was part of Clark Commandery's religious activities for more than 120 years, and when Clark Commandery merged with New Haven Commandery, it was decided that the Clark Commandery Association would continue to carry on this long standing tradition. (submitted by Sir Knight Robert D. Sherrick, Knight Templar magazine editor, Connecticut Supplement)

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The following topics were taken from The Building and Sustaining Templar Member Booklet that was published by the Committee on Membership of the Grand Encampment in May 2002. Dated "Crusade" information is still viable.

Assimilating New Templars Into Our Ranks Assimilation of each new Templar should start when he is elected to become a member of our Order. Notification of his election should be given to him immediately.

He should be congratulated by his Templar friends and assured of the wisdom of his course of action. He should be given the dates at once for receiving the Orders of Knighthood. Some Past Commander or other highly qualified Sir Knight should be assigned by the Eminent Commander to act as his counselor from that time on. His advance to the Order of the Temple should be the signal for special notice to his Templar friends of the time of his Knighting.

The evening of the Knighting should become one that he will never forget. Here is the time and place when important and lasting impressions will be made. If the work is done in a dignified and exalted manner, he will respond - as thousands have done before him - and become deeply impressed. If the work is done in a careless manner, he may be forever lost to our cause.

The ritualistic work should be programmed in such a way that there be no lost motion or wasted time. Everything should be well timed. A "stage manager" should be selected whose sole job is to see that the work moves smoothly and without gaps. The ritualistic work deserves the assignment of the best and most talented ritualists available.

After all, it is the candidate who is the most important one to consider, and he is entitled to the best exemplification the Commandery can provide.

After his Knighting, the new Templar should be warmly welcomed by every Sir Knight in the asylum, and made to "feel at home" at once. He should be given some small assignment - no matter how small - so that he will return to the asylum at the very next Knighting, when he can live over again the beautiful work in which he has participated. From that time on his Mentor should give him instructions about the customs and traditions of the Order. He should "take him under his wing" until he is thoroughly oriented.

The follow-up process cements this fine relationship and secures his continued interest and involvement in the Order. If there is a drill corps in the Commandery, he should be invited at once to join. The sooner the newly knighted Templar learns how to handle his sword and tactics, the better member he will become. The early days and weeks of membership will often be decisive as to whether the new Sir Knight will take an active interest in Templar activities or become absorbed in other affairs and fail to come back.

Many Commanderies, at the time of the Knighting, present a new Templar with one or more of the following: a membership certificate, a Knight Templar lapel pin, an up-to-date roster, and a calendar of upcoming events.

A special supplement entitled "New Member Packet" has been developed by the Grand Encampment Membership Committee and can be provided to assist you.

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Previous Crusades - Lessons Learned Start earlier - strong consensus Need greater engagement by Grand Commandery Officers: Promotion Recruiting Information Keep program going - maintain the momentum Get support from General Grand Council/General Grand Chapter early Maintain continuity of program to maintain momentum Utilize Grand Encampment website more; also use FTP site Personal, one-on-one contact is the only effective recruiting technique Provide clear definition of process on a broad scope - not well communicated Key man concept good - a "critical success factor" Communications varied from good to bad Execution of the process varied from good to bad Changing of G.C. officers is detrimental to communications and momentum Need more effective presentation tools, e.g., eye-catching slide show York Rite, Scottish Rite and Shrine Unity are essential. A Win-Win for everyone!

Build a stronger infra-structure to support membership activities Grass-roots management is essential to: Forecasting Recruiting Execution of process Video-tape--"Every Christian Mason Should be a Knight Templar" Leverage sub-division leadership within the jurisdictions Need broader coverage of information and communications Don't compete with other Masonic bodies; think win-win If the Most Worshipful Grand Master is not a York Rite Mason, make him one and name the class after him; if he is already a York Rite Mason, use him as a sponsor.

The article on pages 16 and 17 was submitted by Sir Knight Charles A. Garnes; H.P.D.C., RG.C. of Pennsylvania, and the Chairman of the Committee on Public Relations. He is a member of Duquesne Commandery No. 72, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. Write: Charles A. Garnes, 1700 Jamestown Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-4944 or e-mail: charles.garneverizon.net

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On the Masonic Newsfront‌ Kentucky Commandery Holds Breakfast to Benefit KTEF In the picture, below right, Brother Myron Lee Baker (right), Master of Robert M. Sirkle Lodge No. 954, F. & A.M., Lexington, Kentucky, presents a check for $500.00 for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to Sir Knight Bob Davenport, P.G.M., Commander of Webb Commandery No. 1. The presentation was made at the annual country ham and egg breakfast held each year by Webb Commandery for the benefit of the KTEF. In the picture, below left, are some of the tired but happy crew who worked to make the fundraiser a success. 'A record 374 meals was served in a 7-hour period for a great cause!" was the comment of Sir Knight Carl A. Penske, our correspondent.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is known for its participation in local charitable events, and in the picture the members of Fort Myers Commandery No. 32, North Fort Myers, Florida, are shown receiving a check in support of the KTEF from Wal-Mart Super Center in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Left to right are: Robert L. Gilliland, P.C.; Guy E. Waltman, P.G.C. of Florida and current Recorder; Edwin M. Cotton, E.C.; Mrs. Jackie Hoven (center), store manager; Lewis F. Fish, P.C. and Eye Foundation Chairman; and Frank J. Wilke, P.C. Each of the uniformed Sir Knights, except the Commander, is also a KYCH. Wal-Mart has a matching funds program for charitable purposes, and this year their fundsmatching program resulted in a check to the KTEF for $950.00.

Also, Fort Myers No. 32 sponsors a spaghetti dinner each year to raise funds for our charity, and the members are proud of their record. With only 193 members, they raised a total of $4,000.00 for the charity this year, and they are currently processing four local cases of people in need of financial and surgical assistance.

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A New Commandery Is Constituted in Oregon In April 2004 the Grand Commandery of Oregon constituted a new Commandery. Columbia Commandery No. 26 was presented their charter by the R.E. Grand Commander of Oregon, Sir Knight Lawrence Weaver, at the 118th Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery. Sir Knight Milton 'Sid" Roberts, upon receiving the charter, was installed the Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandery No. 26. Later in the month, Sir Knight Lawrence Weaver, R.E.P.G.C., installed the remaining Columbia Commandery officers at their first stated Conclave.

Past Grand Commanders of Iowa Present Crossed Swords for Fallen Sir Knight

In Iowa it is the custom, when a Past Grand Commander leaves the ranks, to form an honor guard of remaining PGCs to present crossed swords over the fallen Brother as he is carried from the church to the hearse and again as he leaves the hearse and is carried to his final resting place at the cemetery. When Sir Knight F. H. "Herb" Lockard, P.G.C. of Iowa, passed away late March the Past Grand Commanders did just that as shown in the picture above.

Roswell Assembly No. 116, S.O.O.B. in New Mexico - Alive and Well!

March 2004 Supreme Worthy President, Social Order of the Beauceant, Mrs. Charles Harris, came to Roswell for her official visit. She was treated to dinner, entertainment, and the initiation of 2 new members. In the picture Mrs. Harris is shown with 2 new members. Left to right are: Luz (Mrs. James) White, S.W.P. Mary

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(Mrs. Charles) Harris, and Carla (Mrs. Michael) Stewart. The Assembly is alive and well and busy with the following activities: 6 dinners with the Sir Knights, initiation of 5 new members in 2 years, raising funds for the Assurance Home and the Masonic Scholarship fund, both in Roswell, donating to the Heritage fund, and providing meals with the Eastern Star for families of members who have passed away. They have helped with expenses for 4 members to attend Supreme Assembly. Their most notable contribution was to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation: with 113 other Assemblies the S.O.O.B. was able to contribute over $38,000.

Denver Assembly No. 1, S.O.O.B. Hosts S.W.P. Visit, Initiates New Members

Denver No 1 recently hosted the visit of the Supreme Worthy President, Mary (Mrs. Charles E.) Harris. 2 new members were initiated and 1 petitioner received a favorable ballot. Shown, left above: Darlene (Mrs. Warren) 'Betz, Supreme Assistant Marshal; Mary Harris, S.WP.; Carole (Mrs. Marvin) Petersen, Worthy President; and Mrs. Esther K Offen, Past Supreme Worthy President. Denver No. 1 has initiated a 3rd generation member. Shown, right above: Megan Merrick (center) is the daughter of Sir Knight Gordon Merrick, Jr. Her mother, Nancy (Mrs. Gordon, Jr.) Merrick, is also a member, and her grandmother, Neloise (Mrs. Gordon, Sr.) Merrick, was a longtime member and Past President of Ft. Collins Assembly No. 102. Sir Knight Gordon has the distinction of having his mother, wife, and daughter members of the S.O.O.B. Shown with Megan are Mrs. Gordon Merrick (left) and Carole Petersen (right), WP.

Supreme Worthy President, S.O.O.B., Visits Cedar Rapids No. 87, Iowa In April 2004 Jackie (Mrs. Glenn) Marshall, Worthy President, and members of the Cedar Rapids Assembly No. 87, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Social Order of the Beauceant, were honored with a visit from Mary (Mrs. Charles) Harris of the state of Maine.

Special guests included: Mrs. Judy Limas, Supreme First Vice President of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mrs. Nancy Ipsen, Past Supreme Worthy President of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ladies from the only other Assembly in Iowa, Ottumwa No. 9, joined the Cedar Rapids group. Shown in the picture, left to right, are: 1st row: Judy Limas, S.lstV.P.; Juanita McLain, P.W.P. No. 9; Jackie Marshall, W.P. No. 87; Mary Harris, S.W.P.; Alma Canfield, W.P. No. 9; Nancy Ipsen, P.S.WP.; Marlys Dusenbery (87); 2nd row: Delores Sellers, P.WP. No. 9; Mrs. James Corwin (87); Mrs. Floyd Phenice (9); Mrs. Tom Bachtell, P.W.P. No. 9; Mrs. Vernon Bell (87); Mrs. David Mason, P.W.P. No. 87; 3rd row: Mrs. John Townsend, P.W.P. No. 87; Mrs. Eugene Aldrich, P.W.P. No. 9. Not present for the picture was La Vonne Portzline, P.WP. and Recorder.

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Commandery Sale of Pocket Watch to Benefit Knights Templar Eye Foundation Trinity Commandery No. 20, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is offering a pocket watch with a percentage of sales going to the KTEF. The insignias of the Blue Lodge and the 3 bodies of the York Rite are on the face; there are gold hands and red numerals. Features include scratchresistant crystal, non-fade dial face, long-life silver oxide battery, precision quartz movement, lifetime warranty on movement, and water-resistant case. Price is $50 each, including S & H. Checks and money orders, payable to Trinity Commandery No. 20. Mail to: Trinity Commandery No. 20, Attn: Dale Braden, P.O. Box 2316, Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Sale of Masonic Pens Benefits Knights Templar Eye Foundation Handcrafted in the US, these executive pens are made of quality mechanisms and your choice of natural burl woods. Pen uses Parker roller-ball and gel ink refills. The unique design allows cap to screw in place in both the open and closed positions. The Signature Titanium Gold Roller Ball Pen is $90.00, and the Signature Titanium Gold Fountain Pen is $100.00. Both include case with organizational logo, and there will be a donation to the KTEF for each pen sold. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery after order is made.

For more information and order form, contact: Custom Handcrafted Woodwork, Ronald R. Day, 2527 Willow Bend Drive, Bryan, TX 77802-2461; or call: (979) 775-3565; or e-mail: ronday@cox-internet F. H. "Herb" Lockard Iowa Grand Commander-1980 Born: November 18, 1913 Died: March 27, 2004

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Part I: Memories of Brother Clyde McCoy

by Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett KYCH, 33°, FPS The year 1923 marked a serendipitous event in the musical community.

Clarence Williams copyrighted his song, "Sugar Blues," that year, and a young trumpeter from Ashland, Kentucky, embraced Williams' song as a musical trademark and rode his distinctive trumpet interpretation to fame and fortune. He was Clyde Lee McCoy, one of the country's most enduring and universally-acclaimed musical performers.

In 1923 McCoy was leading his own little band in New York City, struggling to gain a foothold in the musical world.

With national Prohibition in full swing, 5,000 speakeasies in the Big Apple provided a stage to obtain the essential experience. Many of those offered live music for their patrons while they sipped bootleg spirits from a coffee cup.

The story of this particular trumpeter began with his birth on December 29, 1904. Clyde McCoy was the son of a Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad detective and a member of Kentucky's Pike County clan locked in a bloody feud with the Hatfield family of West Virginia.

The vendetta had dragged on for a half century; however, it soon became crystal clear that young Clyde preferred music to rifles, when he procured a trumpet. At the age of nine years, Clyde began to learn the instrument without the benefit of formal instruction.

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In 1912 the railroad transferred the elder McCoy to Portsmouth, Ohio, and the family moved right along with him.

The nine-year-old soon mastered the trumpet and was sufficiently skilled to perform regularly at church and school affairs. Five years later Clyde was employed as a musician on the Cincinnati riverboats, plying the Mississippi River. He performed on the Island Queen and the Bernard McSwain, both side-wheelers. At 14 years he was the one of the youngest musicians on the river and an outstanding trumpet player, in spite of his youth.

Clyde McCoy had all the attributes for a successful public entertainer. He was a personable and extroverted youngster with a natural talent for pleasing musical patrons.

His handsome, slender physique, curly hair, and pleasing public persona were all part of a package which included a skilled musical style guaranteed to please the public. He also acquired some formal musical education, primarily to equip himself with the ability to create his own musical arrangements. That skill was devoted to charting a distinctive musical library which was both pleasing to the musical patrons and an exciting departure from the usual dance-music fare.

In 1920 while still playing on the river boats, a musical associate informed Clyde of an opening for a band at a popular resort location in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was a two-week engagement.

McCoy assembled a small band and boarded a train for Knoxville with a group who had never played together as a unit. They rehearsed

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in the train's smoker, en route to the Whittle Springs Hotel and Spa, providing some welcome entertainment for the passengers.

When they arrived in Knoxville, owner George Whittle agreed to audition Clyde's "Chicago Orchestra" and approved of their performance. So did the patrons. The two-week gig lasted for two months, and the Clyde McCoy Orchestra was officially launched as a permanent segment of the musical scene.

In the months following the Whittle Hotel engagement, Clyde and the boys slowly worked their way to New York City.

They took any job available, and their young leader found enough work to pay the bills.

As 1924 ended, Clyde realized that the band was stuck on a plateau in their quest to achieve musical prominence, and he began a working journey to the west coast. The band was playing in the Los Angeles area by mid-1925, as a musical attraction at the Dome Theater at Ocean Park. During that time frame, Clyde and his brother Stanley, the band's bass player, ventured to a local airfield, bent on a sight-seeing flight over the city. They were seated in the side-by-side cockpit of a World War I biplane, piloted by a tall, taciturn young aviator, who had been touted by another airman present as "the best pilot in the world."

Two years later, while playing an engagement at the Beverly Hills Country Club, Clyde read a newspaper headline which proclaimed, "Lindberg Solos to Paris." It was the same young aviator who piloted him on the sight-seeing flight over Los Angeles.

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Home in Kentucky in 1926, Clyde petitioned Daylight Lodge No. 760 in Louisville. He was promptly accepted and received the E.A. Degree on January 9, 1926; the F.C. Degree on May 8, and the M.M. Degree on June 26, 1926. He became a devoted Mason and a lifetime member of his lodge.

Before long, Clyde became a member of the Valley of Memphis, Tennessee, A.A.S.R. ,and joined Kosair Temple of the Shrine in Louisville, Kentucky. At his death in 1990, Clyde McCoy had been a faithful member of Daylight Lodge for 64 years, a tremendous record of longevity.

McCoy had been experimenting for nearly ten years with a trumpet mute, which he used when performing "Sugar Blues" and many of the numbers in the bands library of arrangements. Clyde's "wah-wah" style had become a distinctive musical identification, and his orchestra was steadily gaining public stature.

However, it was not until the band opened an engagement at the new and opulent Drake Hotel in Chicago in 1930 that Clyde McCoy burst upon the national musical scene.

The Kentucky trumpeter's impressive rendition of his "Sugar Blues" solo, backed by a well-rehearsed and musically-disciplined band performance, drew enthusiastic approval from the patrons at the Drake Hotel. The permanent radio wire at the Drake provided national broadcast exposure for the band. Proof of their growing popularity was confirmed when Clyde was signed to a recording contract with Columbia Records.

His first studio session was on January 22, 1931. Naturally, the first

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Columbia disc was "Sugar Blues." It was an instant retail success and continued to enjoy successful sales over the years.

At Clyde's retirement in 1985, total international sales of his recording, "Sugar Blues," stood in excess of fourteen million.

McCoy's 'Wah-Wah Mute" was so popular that he licensed the King Instrument Company to manufacture and market the device. It became a long-term source of income for the astute, young band-leader, one of an impressive list of profitable investments accumulated over the years.

The Clyde McCoy Orchestra enjoyed a long and successful run at the Drake Hotel before beginning a year-long engagement at Chicago's Terrace Gardens. Prior to returning to the Drake Hotel to begin a record-breaking twoyear second engagement, the band was featured in a Balaban and Katz vaudeville production. Chicago became McCoy's professional headquarters during the years 1931 through 1935.

In mid-1935 Clyde signed a recording contract with Decca Records, beginning a five-year stay with Jack Katz's very successful label. By 1935 the slim young trumpeter had reached the pinnacle of his career. His success never wavered, until World War II interrupted life in America.

Before the band left Chicago in 1935, McCoy was approached by three investors interested in founding a newspaper for musicians. They needed one more investor, and Clyde was selected.

The name of the bi-weekly publication was "Downbeat," and it became one of the most popular trade publications in America.

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One of the "Downbeat" critics, avidly devoted to swing bands, criticized McCoy's music, as "corny, sweet, and gimmicky." It was blatantly unfair to the talented maestro and a tremendous embarrassment to the critic when he learned he had panned one of the owners. Clyde shrugged it off as unimportant.

Clyde and the band accelerated their recording activity when they signed with Decca Records.

At this juncture, it seems appropriate to review their recording history; as well as point out some of the prominent musicians who toiled under the McCoy banner. As previously noted, the band recorded steadily for Columbia Records from January 1931 through December 1933.

The national recording industry was suffering the pangs of the Great Depression in those years, which severely hampered the number of record sales.

After signing with Decca, an economy label founded by Jack and David Kapp, McCoy's recording activity accelerated. In addition to conventional retail discs, he began to record regularly at the transcription studios. Those recordings were used primarily in delayed radio broadcasts.

Before McCoy entered military service in World War II, he recorded frequently for Associated Transcriptions, both in Chicago and New York. The ASCAP recording ban in 1941 halted recording of all songs composed by its members.

However, when the war was over, Clyde resumed recording for LangWorth Transcriptions in New York and several prominent labels, including Mercury, Capitol, and Vocalion

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Records. Clyde's recorded evergreen standards plus the immensely popular "Sugar Blues" were always surefire successes. The band played a wide variety of Dixieland-flavored arrangements in a driving, swinging style. Clyde's facile trumpet solos always dominated those numbers, stamping his personal musical brilliance on every tune.

His diverse musical library dispelled any notion that he was "locked in" to his famous "wah-wah" style. His surviving musical legacy confirms that.

The personnel making up the 19351936 Clyde McCoy Orchestra represented the most stable lineup of his career. There were few changes over the years, and these mentioned are generally regarded as the crème de la crème. The trumpets were Clyde McCoy, Freddie Train, Duke Dervall, and Tony Donio; the single trombone, George Green; the reed section, George Stone, Tom Ferguson, Chet Lands, and Mick Ashley; the rhythm section, Julie Stauer, piano; Bart Rothyl, guitar; Art Dunham, bass; and Davey Gray, drums.

Jimmy Dale came aboard in 1935 to assist Clyde with arrangements.

The vocal duties in the band were a minor adjunct before the Bennett sisters joined. After Clyde met the Bennett sisters (their family name was "Means") in their hometown of San Antonio, Texas, they were added as an important part of the musical company. They were Maxine, Marguerite, and Charlie Bell. A younger sister, Billie Jane, arrived in 1940, making the group a foursome.

The Bennett sisters trio joined the band during an engagement

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at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and immediately began taking an active role.

McCoy's discography indicates that the sisters' first recording appearance may have been for Associated Transcriptions, under the pseudonym "Symphonettes" in June 1936. By January 1937 the girls were working under their own name, "The Bennett Sisters." Male vocal chores by that time were assigned to Wayne Gregg.

Clyde carried a complete vaudeville act with the band when he made theater appearances. He was a fine showman himself and invariably performed an act with a miniature trumpet, along with the Bennett sisters. However, Clyde's famous trumpet was the star attraction wherever the band appeared.

One of his theater innovations was Te Battle of the Bands." When Clyde and Don Bestor both appeared at the Circle Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana, because of a scheduling mix-up, the trumpeting maestro suggested they have a "battle of the bands." The audience would determine the winner by an applause meter. It was a great hit with the enthusiastic audience, and Clyde arranged for the result to be a tie. The gimmick was so well-received that he frequently repeated the performance in future theater appearances, with the likes of Kay Kyser and Earl "Fatha" Hines.

The McCoy band appeared in nearly every major venue in the country. Clyde never went on vacation, so the band worked constantly, interspersing hotel engagements with theater tours and one-night appearances between longer engagements.

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Among the major locations the band visited repeatedly were Elitch's Gardens in Denver, the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, the Aragon Ballroom and Hotel Stevens in Chicago, and nearly every major hotel in cities all across America.

The Chicago area, a mecca for dance bands in the pre-war years, remained one of the band's favorite locations.

Their popularity never waned. Clyde's formula for success was simple. His own words explained it: "I always played what the people wanted."

World War II began with the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

A few months later, the Clyde McCoy band was playing at the Peabody Skyway in Memphis, when several U.S. Navy officers were seated at a table.

They asked Clyde to join them for a talk during an intermission. The recruiting officers persuaded Clyde and his entire 15-piece band to enlist en masse in the U.S. Navy. That began a tour of naval duty that took Clyde and his boys to a long list of military installations and hospitals. It was a perpetual moralebuilding tour and represented Clyde McCoy's great contribution to the war effort - on Navy pay! Their record of war bond sales was impressive.

After his discharge in January 1945, Clyde rushed to San Antonio to marry Maxine Means, one of the Bennett sisters. They had been courting since the girls joined his band back in 1936.

The long-awaited nuptials took place on January 20, 1945, beginning a long, happy married life which was ended only with Clyde's passing 45 years later.

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Clyde reorganized his band soon after his marriage and had it ready for the road in a few weeks. It was a 15-piece group playing the old familiar tunes, which carried him to musical fame and fortune before the war interrupted normal activity. It was gratifying to learn his popularity had survived the hiatus.

For the next decade McCoy worked constantly, reprising most of the scenes of earlier successes and adding new locations to their agenda - primarily Las Vegas. His wife Maxine recalled that Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe were selected for engagements when they needed a "working vacation."

It was both a happy and bittersweet time for them. Although the band was completely booked, the Big Band Era was drawing rapidly to a close. Many of the major hotels and ballrooms were closing, due to their inability to afford the expense of large orchestras. In some cases hotels were discontinuing live entertainment altogether. Life style changes were mandatory for Clyde and Maxine.

Part II of the Clyde McCoy story will run in the August 2004 issue.

Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett, KYCH, 33°, FPS, and P.D.D.G.M. of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, is a member of Holy Grail Commandery No. 70, Lakewood, Ohio. He resides at: 734 Providence Avenue, Middleton, ID 83644.

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To place your "Knight Voices" item on the waiting list for publication, type or print it and send to "Knight Voices," The Grand Recorder, 5097 N. Elston Avenue, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60630-2460. Items submitted to Knight Templar that refer to Templar or Masonic subjects will conti nue to be printed free of charge. All other items should be accompanied by a $5.00 remittance made payable to the Grand Encampment. Any submission may be subject to editing. You must submit a written request and check, if applicable, for each time you want your ad to run. Each request must be separate and at monthly intervals, not several at the same time. All other requests for repeat ads will either run just once or will be returned to sender.

For sale: lapel pins. The 64th Triennial Conclave Committee is offering a lapel pin (2 knights on horseback) for $6.00 each, including S & H. Checks payable to 64th Triennial Conclave Committee, CIO E. K Longworth; 502 Wentworth Avenue, N.E.; Roanoke; VA 24012-3545. This is a fund-raiser for the 64th Triennial Conclave.

For sale: 2 swords: one Ames with black grip, gold inlay, and one pettibone with white grip, gray inlay. Both have 30-in, blades. Price: $150.00 for Ames, $175.00 for pettibone, plus shipping. Howard Huff 607 Village Drive, Franklin, KY 42134, (270) 586-6511 Black, lightweight, long-style, double-breasted Commandery coat, size 40 (chest 39, waist 34, length 40) to be donated to a person who can use it. Robert Forror, 8810 State Route-273 West, Belle Center, OH 43310. Just pay the postage and it's yours. Phone (937) 842-2954; leave message.

Knight Templar dress ties: the perfect Templar gift: cross and crown on square and compass ($25.00 each). Help us celebrate 150 years of Templary in Texas. The Grand Commandery of Texas, formed in 1855 in San Antonio, will be commemorating its sesquicentennial in San Antonio, April 1618, 2005. The ties are a fund-raiser for this event. Ties are navy blue with emblem. Large emblem tie (56 inches long) has one emblem of gold crown, red cross, blue square and compass outlined in gold on the body; small emblem tie (60 inches long) has reoccurring pattern of emblem with crown, square and compass in gold with red cross diagonally across body. Uniquely beautiful ties can be viewed at www.texaryorkrite.org/ties.html Order and check (payable to San Antonio Commandery No 7) to James N. Higdon, 10122 N. Manton, San Antonio, IX 78213. Ties will be sent day following receipt. H: (210) 341-4309; O: (210) 349-9933; emailjnh.kt@hhzlaw.com For sale: C.P.O. coats, poly-wool, summer weight; size: 46 short. $23.00 includes shipping and handling. 10% of all sales will be donated to KTEF. General Merchandise Company; 13690 Broad Street, SW.; Pataskala; OH 43062, (740) 9277073 Ostrich feathers: Griffin Commandery No. 35, Griffin, Georgia, has a fund-raiser to supply new Knights with equipment and provide a portion of the profits to the KTEF. Replace those worn out feathers on your chapeau. The bleached white feathers are a minimum of 23 inches long and 8 inches wide.

Price per feather is $15.00, plus $5.00 S & H (max. 6 per tube) while quantities last. Check or MO and request to Mark Johnson, 291 Buckeye Road, Fayetteville, GA 30214-3139; for information online mjfayettet8aol.com

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Temple Commandery No. 41, Temple, Texas, celebrated its 100th anniversary in April 2004. Gold-look commemorative coins are being sold as a fund-raiser for the Commandery.

The face has a Sir Knight, dates, and name of the Commandery. Back side has cross and crown. $10.00 each with a portion to the KTEF. Checks or MOs to Temple Commandery No. 41. Mail to C. O. Jones, 2204 Patriot Drive, Logo Vista, TX 78645, (512) 267-1388 For sale: Knights Templar lapel flag pin has double-hasp American flag with Malta Knights Templar logo superimposed.

Sale to benefit Pennsylvania's 154th Conclave Committee.

Pins are $4.00 each (minimum order is 5), postage included.

Checks payable to 154th Annual Conclave Committee, and mail to Rev. William D. Hartman, 951 Bridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124.

For sale: Knights Templar shoulder straps, pairs, finest quality available, all ranks, embroidered in extra fancy gold and silver bullion on velvet with Velcro backs: Past Commander (red); serving Commander, Generalissimo, Captain General, Prelate (green): $40.00; Emeritus ranks: Generalissimo, Captain General and Prelate (red): $45.00; Honorary Past Commander with H.C. in Old English silver lettering at foot of cross, $50.00; Grand Commandery, Grand Rep. (red), $50.00, and Past Grand Commander (purple): $60.00. Also: chapeaux crosses: Sir Knight, $35.00; Commander/Past Commander, $40.00; Grand Commandery (red), $50.00; Past Grand Commander (purple), $55.00. Embroidered bullion sleeve crosses: Sir Knight (silver) and Commander or P.C. (gold), $35.00. Metal lapel crosses (a pair) in silver, $35.00; gold, $40.00. Grand Commandery lapel crosses (red): $45.00 (pair); Past Grand Commander (purple), $50.00. Cap crosses in metal: silver, $32.00; gold, $38.00. Past Commander's jewel (gold plate), $45.00. All plus shipping, handling, and insurance: 1st item, $5.00; each additional item, $1.00. Percentage to York Rite and Masonic charities. Checks to and mail to Jacques N. Jacobsen, Jr., P.C.; 60 Manor Rd; Staten Island; NY 103102698 Sword slings available in 2-inch or 1-inch wide, white or black nylon straps with black, fine grade leather sword holder and with heavy duty black clips. They are adjustable to fit all sizes - $19.00 each plus $3.50 shipping and handling. For further details or brochure, write Tern Starnes, 156 Utica Street, Tonawanda, NY 14150, call (716) 693-7226 or e-mail tonawsta@adelphia.net Checks to KT Enterprises. % of net profits to KTEF. For Sale: Middle Georgia Chapter No. 165, RAM., the first RAM. Chapter to be chartered in Georgia in 25 years, is selling their newly minted shekels for $10.00 each or 2 for $15.00, postpaid. Each coin is mounted in a

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2x2 coin folder and comes with a sealed certificate of authenticity. Orders to Chuck Smith, 6559 Cypress Drive, Eastman, GA 31023, e-mail choppy 3102318'yahoo.com Anniversary Lodge of Research No. 175 in New Hampshire is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2004. The Lodge was chartered in 1964 on the 175th anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, hence the name and number The Lodge has available pewter and enamel commemorative coins for $8.00 each, including postage in the US. Proceeds will benefit Masonic education in New Hampshire, lb purchase please contact Mark S. Furber, 11 Eluryn Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801-4417, (603) 436-1523 or e-mail alo@furber.com 2008-200th anniversary of Masonry in Ohio: Now, you can help insure that this celebration will be a great success by purchasing a beautiful 200-piece jigsaw puzzle depicting Brother George Washington opening his lodge in 1788. This 16 x22-inch art reproduction is an exact copy of the painting that hangs in many Ohio lodges. Help us get ready for the 2008 bicentennial, and own a real piece of Masonic history: price $15.00 plus $3.00 S & H. Each puzzle is packaged in a round, airtight can. 'lb order call (614) 855-1401, or send payment and request to P Pal Davis, 8359 Morse Road, New Albany, OH 43054; online at www.ppdavisl@earthlink.net Proceeds to benefit the 2008 Bicentennial Fund.

Fund-raiser: Lodge auto tags with blue vinyl letters on white, 6 x12-inch aluminum, include lodge name and number, square and compass, F & AM (AF & AM, AAFM, etc.), city and state: $800 each plus S & H: 5 at $5.00, 10 at $7.00, 20 at $10.00 shipped to same address in US-minimum order of 5. One free tag with each ten ordered. 25% of proceeds to the Georgia Masonic Children's Home Endowment Fund Send info, check or money order to Ernest P Gentry, 893 Brookside Drive, Winder, GA 30680-2848, e-mail tagmaker@att.net For sale: peel-off, vinyl, royal blue square and compass decals designed to fit on your license plate or window, 2 inches high, 1 inch wide. 6 vinyl decals for $5.00, postpaid. Also, approx. 4inch reflective-chrome, vinyl square and compass or Shrine decals to fit on your taillights, only $5.00 per set of 2, postpaid.

All profits go to our Masonic Widows' fund. Joe Allen, PM., Sec.; Cochran Masonic Lodge No. 217, F & AM.; PO Box 732; Cochran, GA 31014 Cochran Lodge No. 217, F. & AM., Cochran, Georgia, is continuing its long-term charity project: In addition to the Masonic square and compass jewelry boxes, we are now offering Shrine jewelry boxes that are 5.5 x5.5 x2.5 inches in size and the shape of the Shrine logo, constructed of exotic woods from Central America, and hand-crafted with an interlocking design. 10% from these Shrine jewelry boxes will be going to the Shrine hospitals of North America, a portion will go directly to the Georgia Masonic Children's Home Endowment Fund, and the rest will go to the charity work of the Lodge.

The Shrine box is $30.00 each and $6.00 shipping in US. The Masonic square and compass box is $20.00 each with $6.00 S & H. Check or money order to Cochran Masonic Lodge No. 217 and mail to Harry A Bruno, Chairman; Cochran Masonic Lodge No. 217, F & AM.; PO Box 732; Cochran; GA 31014; or e-mail harry2l786igfoot.com Planning a Rusty Nail Degree? We have pins and certificates available at $35.00 per unit. (A unit consists of 5 pins and 5 certificates, S & H included.) Please include your lodge name and number with your order if you wish to have them printed on your certificates. Make check out to Tim A Stevens, 5 Old Duxbury Court, Fairfield OH 45014.

Phone (513) 942-2490; fax (513) 272-2830. Proceeds go to the John Hayes Gerard Masonic Scholarship Fund and 10% to KTEF. Sprig of Acacia pin: each handcrafted pin is sterling silver with a 24K geld vermeil; it will make a nice gift for the newly raised Brother, price is $10.00 each, including

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S&H. Also available is the four immortal chaplains lapel pin, a beautiful pin honoring the chaplains who sacrificed their lives by giving up their lifejackets in order to save the lives of others. The price per pin is $8.00 as. including S&H 10% of proceeds will benefit the KTEF. New item: Sept. 11 Memorial Masonic lapel pin, $8.00 each, including S & H-to commemorate members who lost their lives in terrorist attack-proceeds to benefit the KTEF. S. Kenneth Bard, 6809 Main Street, Apt. 2 West, Cincinnati, OH 45244-3470, (513) 272-2815, fax (513) 272-2830 For sale: The Medal of Honor The Letter G in Valor, a 268page digest with the names, congressional citations, and Lodge membership of all Masons who have received our nation's highest military award for bravery. Books may be obtained by contacting Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co., PO Box 9759, 3011 Old Dumbarton Rd., Richmond, VA 23228-0759, (804) 262-6551. The price is $1695 plus S & H. Author's portion of profits donated to KTEF. Requesting information and ritual for the Masonic "Yellow Dog" Degree. I have "Fellowcraft Wages" Degree I will share. Dwight R. Hunnell, 1305 W. Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313.

Call 1-800 475-9785 Wanted: Masonic Chapter pennies by avid collector. I have been building this collection for 30 years and still need many pieces as I am collecting all varieties. These one day will end up in a Masonic museum. Why not find a home for your mark?

I will gladly send you a check for one-piece or will buy your collection. If you collect, I will gladly exchange. I will answer all letters. Especially needed are Hawaiian and Alaskan pennies.

Maurice Storck, Sr.; 775 W. Roger Rood, No. 214; Tucson; AZ 85705; (520) 888-7585.

For sale: customized Masonic gifts and incentive merchandise.

Represent Masonry with pride through custom-imprinted gifts and presentation items, all reasonably priced for any Masonic budget.

Choose from a variety, which include but are not limited to: lapel pins and custom designed coins, complete with your Masonic organization's name and logo. Gifts like these are perfect for leaders to commemorate their year as well as lodge anniversaries and other special occasions. These items are available in minimum quantity orders; most minimums start at 100 or more. To start your order, sketch out your ideas and send them to me, and I'll do the rest. For more information or to receive a full color catalog brochure and prices, call 800-765-1728, or send SASE to Frank Looser, 408 Ashlar Circle, Nashville, TN 37211 or visit our web-site www.cnfinteractiue.com. 3% goes to KTEF. For sale: The History and Symbolism of Royal Arch Masonry, by Edward R Graham, Grand Historian of the Grand Chapter, RAM., of Indiana. This is a illustrated 177-page soft-bound book with a 31-page glossary. Larry Gray, General Grand King of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, says: "This book is uncomplicated reading, factual and written inlay-man's terms-as a tool for furthering their Masonic knowledge, I recommend it for the library of all members of the craft." This book can be ordered from online book sellers or from your local book store. It is print-on-demand, normally taking 5-7 days for delivery. Also, available from author for $16.00 including shipping. $2.00 to RARA for each sold. Edward R. Graham, 2881 Grandma Barnes Road, Nashville, IN 47448. Phone and fax (812) 988-1699; e-mail egraham@kiva.net New novelty book available: Pythagoras, This Cross Is for You, by Past Master and Past Commander ,Jack N. Barncklo$6.00 each, pp. "For the serious Craftsman with short history, illustrations, and instruction by the 'Master' himself." % of profits will go to KTEF. (Please write "KTEF" in memo.)

Checks payable to Ourland Enterprises, and send to Ourland Enterprises, 8631 McDade, Houston, TX 77080-4321

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